Jacqueline Browell struggled with her weight for as long as she could remember and following a complicated pregnancy, she struggled even more. She visited Spire Washington Hospital to see what her options were and has never looked back. She shares her story here:
“I was diagnosed with DVT in my leg and groin when I was pregnant with my little girl in 2012, which I was told was a result of being pregnant and overweight. I underwent a procedure to have a temporary filter inserted to prevent a blood clot which could end up in my lungs, if this happened it could have been fatal.
“My daughter was born via caesarean section and the filter was successfully removed. This is when I decided that I needed to do something, not just for me but for my family, so I decided to look into weight loss surgery.
“I had previously visited Spire Washington Hospital as a day case patient, so I knew of their high standards - they were my first port of call. I made an appointment to see Consultant Bariatric Surgeon Mr Carr, where he explained everything thoroughly and advised that the best option for me would be a gastric sleeve.
“After the appointment with the consultant I was given a sleep apnoea test, attended a meeting with the dietician and had a gastroscopy – all of which were arranged and done within weeks of my initial consultation. Just eight weeks after meeting with Mr Carr, I was ready for surgery.
“When I arrived at the hospital for surgery I was greeted by a friendly member of staff who took me straight down to my own private room, complete with en-suite. Mr Carr came to see me and within an hour I was off to theatre. My surgery lasted 90 minutes - next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery. Mr Carr and the nurses visited me in my room on several occasions to check if I was ok. After an overnight stay and a final meeting with the dietician I was ready to go home.
“I recovered well from my surgery and am now happier and healthier than I have ever been - I can even keep up with my daughter! My whole experience with Spire Washington Hospital was exceptional. I still have regular check-ups with Mr Carr to see how my weight loss is progressing. I also have the support of other patients who have had weight loss surgery in the form of a support group which is offered by the hospital.
“I’m keen to stress that weight loss surgery is not an ‘easy way out’. You have to be mentally and physically prepared to commit to a change of lifestyle. I cannot thank Mr Carr and the team at Spire Washington Hospital enough for what they have done for me – their care and support has been amazing.
“So far I have lost 8 stone and not only mine but also my family’s life has changed dramatically. The weight loss surgery has given me motivation and a new found confidence that I never had before. As if that wasn’t good enough, I have just started a new job at Spire Washington Hospital!
“I’m working with the reception team, so I hope I can give patients the warm and reassuring welcome that I received when I first walked through the doors. I’m really looking forward to being part of the patient’s life-changing journey.”
Mr Carr said: “I’m delighted with the progress Jacqueline made after her surgery. She had been struggling with her weight for a long time and despite trying diets, exercise regimes and specialist dietician support her weight had gradually kept up.
“When we first met she had already researched the surgical options available. I was able to spend time discussing the risks and benefits of the different procedures available and developed a plan that met her expectations of surgery. I’m pleased to see that she has recovered really well and is now enjoying the benefits of successful weight loss surgery.